I was given an old Mauser rifle that I think predates WW 2. There are no dates on it, but what distinguishes it from others I've seen is the stacking hook under the muzzle. It's carbine length and has a turned down bolt, and is 8mm. Could this be a WW 1 K98A carbine?

Thanks

James K

February 11, 2000, 11:29 PM

Hi, Noban,

It sounds like a 98a. What are the receiver ring markings? The 98a has a front sight with curced sideguards, and a bayonet lug almost at the end of the barrel.

Jim

Noban

February 12, 2000, 12:49 AM

Hi Jim - I don't see any markings on the receiver except for "K98". Yes the front sight guards are curved and the bayo lug is where you stated. What I have noticed upon closer inspection is that the receiver, butt plate and stock all have matching numbers. This rifle was in a closet of an older fellow who recently passed away, and God only knows how long he had it and where it came from. His widow was kind enough to give it to me.

Schmit

February 12, 2000, 12:59 AM

Moving topic over to Harley Nolden's Institute for Firearms Research forum.

The M98 was the first highly successful Mauser action designed for a powerful smokeless powder, rimless military cartridge. It was also the first Mauser action designed to load the magazine with a charger, stripper clip,. This action set the general pattern for other Mauser turnbolt rifle actions which followed, with changes and improvements that made Mauser actions a standard throughout the world.

A great many of these rifles were made in the Belgian government arsenal in Liege. Many were also made in Birmingham, England, at a plant set up and operated by Belgian refugees. An American firm, Hopkins & Allen, obtained a contract and made many of these rifles for Belgium prior to WWI.

Mauser action is the basis of design for most every turnbolt rifle in the world today. This includes the military and the civilian model rifles of todays manufacture. During the era most all countries used the Mauser design, to include the United States, who bought patent rights to design the M1903 Springfield.

These actions (M1898) are still being manufactured today and there are still some of the old original actions being sold on the civilian market. Many gunsmiths prefer this action, new or
old, to build custom rifles in varing calibers to include shotguns.

After WWII restrictions placed on the Germans to, manufacture military rifles. However, they could manufacture sporting rifles and shotguns. This prompted Germany to rebarrel and convert the M1898 Mauser rifle to a two shot shotgun. This shotgun was produced in, 12, 16, and 20 gauge. These shotguns were eventually imported into the US and sold on the open market.
I have personally owned one of these shotguns and found it to make and excellent slug gun.

Harley, what would you think the value of a Model 1898 converted to 12 gauge would be today?

Steve Mace

Harley Nolden

February 5, 2007, 04:19 AM

STEVE:

Depending on condition of course, if I had a mind to buy it I would go as high as $200.00. I owned one many years ago, and liked it a lot. There aren;t too many around any more and to me Mauser is a Mauser, like Mercedez is Mercedez